Can Americans travel to Cuba?

If you are considering a trip to Cuba from the United States, it is important to keep in mind that this process can be somewhat complex due to the restrictions imposed by the US government on travel for tourism purposes to the island. In this post, we tell you how Americans can travel to Cuba. Learn about the documents that need to be presented and the legal loopholes that make your visit to the country possible.

Breathe deeply and get ready to compile all the documentation you’ll need to present, which includes passport, travel itinerary, OFAC authorisation, visa and travel insurance. In this post, we’ll also answer any questions you may have and give you tips to make your holiday preparation quick and easy. Are you ready to start your Cuba adventure?

How can Americans travel to Cuba?

According to the Trading with the Enemy Act, the Cuban Assets Control Regulation, established on July 8, 1963, prohibits U.S. citizens from engaging in travel for tourism purposes to Cuba.

Luckily, over the years this law has become more flexible and today, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) allows travel to Cuba as long as it can be justified under one of the 12 categories authorised by the law. You can read more about these categories in this post: 12 categories of legal travel to Cuba

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What are the most recommended categories for Americans if they travel for tourism to Cuba?

It is important to note that none of these categories contemplate travel for tourism purposes. However, there are categories such as Support for the Cuban People or Humanitarian Projects which, due to their ambiguity, can justify almost any type of travel.

The travel category most commonly used to disguise tourism purposes in Cuba is Support for the Cuban People. Under this category, US citizens have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities as long as they encourage direct support for the Cuban people and do not contribute to the Cuban government or the Cuban armed forces. Read more about this category in this post: How to obtain a permit from Support for the Cuban People?

Another easily justifiable category is Humanitarian Projects. These types of trips aim to provide essential resources, such as medical supplies, food and basic items, to communities in need and to alleviate the daily hardships or natural disasters faced by the Cuban population.

Will I have a problem returning to my country because I have a Cuba entry stamp in my passport?

If you are a US citizen travelling to Cuba under an authorised travel category and complying with all travel regulations imposed by the US government, generally, you should have no problems returning to your country with a Cuba entry stamp in your passport.

We remind you that if you are travelling from the United States you must keep all receipts and invoices for at least 5 years. Also, you may not leave Cuba with more than 5,000 Cuban pesos in cash.

When you return to the United States, custom officers may ask you additional inspection and questions related to your trip. You must be honest and provide accurate information about the purpose of your trip and the activities you undertook in Cuba. If you cooperate with the authorities, you will not have any problems. But we can tell you that this is not usual.

What recommendations should we keep in mind when landing in Cuba?

Even if you’re travelling from the United States, when you land in Cuba you’ll be asked for the same documentation as any other traveller. Take note: here’s what to look out for on arrival.

• Documentation and visa: Make sure you have your passport and visa on hand, which in the case of travel from the USA is known as the “pink visa”. If you don’t have a visa, you can apply for one at Havana airport.
• Declaration of goods: On arrival in Cuba, you must declare all goods that are not considered personal items. And remember that you cannot enter the country with more than 5,000 pesos, dollars or units of your currency.
• Currency exchange: Cuba uses the Cuban peso. So, we recommend that you exchange money on arrival at authorised places, such as banks and official exchange houses (CADECA). US cards do not always work in Cuba.
• Travel insurance: On arrival, you’ll have to show a document proving that you’ve taken out travel medical insurance. It’s compulsory for entry into the country. Travel insured and cover yourself for medical emergencies.

In this article, you can read about the restrictions on entry to the country in more detail: List of travel restrictions to Cuba.

Which places should Americans not frequent when in Cuba and why?

The US government has vetoed several accommodations, restaurants and businesses that it considers to be for tourist purposes or to directly favour the Cuban government or military. This means that, as a US citizen, you will not be able to include these places in your travel itinerary or spend money there. Remember that on your return, you may be asked for all the tickets you have generated during your stay. In these establishments, you will also have problems paying with American credit cards.

You can check which businesses are prohibited on the US State Department’s List of Restricted Entities and Subentities Associated With Cuba website. In the case of hotels, you will need to consult the Lista de Alojamientos Prohibidos en Cuba (Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List).

What else should I know before travelling to Cuba?

• The currency of Cuba is the Cuban peso.
• The official language is Spanish, but you can also communicate in English.
• US credit and debit cards don’t work in Cuba; you’ll need to bring cash and exchange it for Cuban pesos.
• Don’t forget to pack light clothing, insect repellent and sunscreen in your luggage.
• Cover yourself for medical emergencies: travel insured.
• Always drink bottled water.
• Wear sunscreen, especially in the summer months, as well as light but sun-protective clothing and stay hydrated.
• Always carry your travel documents with you.
• If you are a US citizen, you must keep all tickets and receipts from Cuba for 5 years.

How to organise a trip to Cuba?

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get ideas from other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums, etc.
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation, etc.
• Make any modifications you need, and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your own tips on how Americans can travel to Cuba.

If you have any doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about travelling to Cuba from the US